Biomedical subjects

Elizabeth M Kanny

Publications and source records attributed to Elizabeth M Kanny.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

Genetics in occupational therapy education: a survey of professional entry-level programs.

PURPOSE: Advances in genetics indicate a need for occupational therapists to develop literacy and skills in genetics as it relates to lifestyle and occupation. The purpose of this study is to identify genetics content areas taught, instructional methods used, and the importance of teaching genetics at the entry-level in occupational therapy curricula. METHOD: A questionnaire was sent to all entry-level occupational therapy educational programs (N=157). Structured mailing and follow-up were used. RESULTS: The response rate was 63.9%. Most respondents (47%) rate teaching genetics as "moderately important." Genetics content is predominately taught at the introductory or knowledge level rather than at the integration and application level. Respondents indicate a lack of time and space for genetics content and of faculty interest and expertise. DISCUSSION: As occupational therapy practice evolves to include new genetics, curriculum change will need to be implemented. Development of teaching materials and methods addressing genetics is recommended.

Curriculum↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Occupational therapy workforce needs: a model for demand-based studies.

PURPOSE: To provide a model for assessing occupational therapy workforce needs by using a demand-based approach to determine current workforce status in the Northwest region. Regional information may have implications for addressing national occupational therapy service needs. METHOD: A questionnaire was sent to a proportional random sample of 234 facilities that hire occupational therapy practitioners. Data were collected in July-August 2003 using structured mailing and follow-up procedures. RESULTS: Response rate was 79%. Twenty-four percent reported occupational therapy vacancies and 11% occupational therapy assistant vacancies; 48% predicted an increase in occupational therapy positions in the next 2 years and 41% an increase in occupational therapy assistant positions. Sixty-three percent of respondents reported difficulty in hiring. DISCUSSION: This study identifies an occupational therapy workforce shortage in the Northwest. Management of a shortage is critical, for even short-term adjustments could lead to permanent changes in service provision. This study demonstrates the importance of current information on the status of the national workforce and serves as a model for future studies.

Employment↗